Le Gym will conclude its European campaign this Thursday in Bulgaria, facing Ludogorets (9pm). Here's a closer look at the last European opponent of the 2025-26 season.

STILL IN A POSITION TO QUALIFY

Before the final day of the Europa League league stage, the Bulgarians are still in contention for a place in the play-offs. With 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats), they are 25th, just outside the top 24, one point behind Celtic (24th) and within reach of the teams between 24th and 20th place.

Their results:

Matchday 1: Malmö 1–2 Ludogorets

Matchday 2: Ludogorets 0–2 Betis Seville

Matchday 3: Young Boys 3–2 Ludogorets

Matchday 4: Ferencvaros 3–1 Ludogorets

Matchday 5: Ludogorets 3–2 Celta Vigo

Matchday 6: Ludogorets 3–3 PAOK

Matchday 7: Rangers 1-0 Ludogorets

Full table

A CHANGE OF COACH

Like OGC Nice, Ludogorets underwent a change of manager during the season. The new man in charge is Per-Mathias Høgmo (66), an experienced Norwegian coach.

On the domestic front, despite having won 14 league titles, the club currently sits in third place in the league, behind Levski Sofia (1st) and CSKA (2nd).

THE STADIUM

To finish their league phase, Nice will travel to the Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad, a 10,000-seater stadium nestled in a small town of 35,000 in north-eastern Bulgaria.

THE MAN TO WATCH

Arriving from CSKA Sofia in the summer of 2024, after also playing for Palermo and Pescara, Ivaylo Chochev symbolises the national importance of Ludogororets. A seasoned Bulgarian international (51 caps, 4 goals), the 32-year-old midfielder is one of the key assets of a team for which he is the top scorer this season, with 15 goals, including one in the Europa League against PAOK.

EXTRA INFO

Ludogorets players are nicknamed ‘the Eagles’. The eagle also appears on their logo. It's the perfect way to kick off a battle against the Aiglons

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